Concerns at Home, Concerns Abroad: Irish and English Political Ephemera in Southern Ontario

Summary

Although uncommon, a few artifacts reflecting an unambiguous connection with a particular political ideology, social movement, or politician/activist have been recovered from archaeological sites in Southern Ontario. Often these items do not reflect local Upper Canada concerns, but rather ‘»concerns at home»’--’socio-political issues from the Irish and English homelands of immigrant families. Items such as moulded or stamped smoking pipes, buttons and pins with various slogans carried meaning for the user, but also served to forge and strengthen bonds with like-minded individuals within the community. Artifacts supporting the Repeal movement (Ireland), opposing Home Rule (Ireland), and supporting the Great Reform Bill of 1832 (England) will be discussed.